First Automated Shuttle Shaping NSW’s Transport Future

The future of automated vehicles has arrived, with Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey launching the first trial of a driverless shuttle bus in NSW.

The Government has joined forces with HMI Technologies, NRMA, Telstra, IAG and Sydney Olympic Park Authority, to conduct a two-year trial of the state’s first automated Smart Shuttle at Olympic Park.

“The trial, starting later this month, showcases a small part of our much bigger vision for a technology-enabled transport future,” Mr Constance said.

“Today we drive our cars but the reality is, cars will soon drive us and while we are not there yet, we need to be prepared for this change and we need to stay ahead of the game.”

“The ultimate goal of the trial is to find the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and how to make it work for NSW while also answering questions about how it can improve safety and reliability.”

“The first stage of the trial would conduct tests and safety checks in a secure, off-road environment. This testing is underway at Newington Armory where the shuttle will run autonomously on a preprogramed route.

“We will then extend the trial to public use with the shuttle making the rounds on the roads at Sydney Olympic Park.”

Mrs Pavey said we expect office workers at Sydney Olympic Park to be using the automated shuttle next year, becoming the first to test-ride this new technology before we start seeing it on our roads.

“This trial is not only about automated vehicles, it is also about connectivity,” she said.

“We want to use the trial to help develop the systems that will enable automated vehicles to be connected to our infrastructure, like traffic lights and to our customers through their devices and applications. It’s the combination of connectivity and automation that will provide the safety and mobility benefits we are looking for.

“There is still some way to go before automated shuttles become common place on Australian roads, but as a Government we are ready to take the next step and from here all sorts of possibilities open up for transport in NSW.”

The NSW Government established the Smart Innovation Centre, to work with industry to develop trials like this and explore smarter solutions for future transport plans.

Sydney Olympic Park Authority is proud to be part of the trial for new and innovative transport solutions that improve connectivity and provide sustainable options for the growing community.

Further details for the trial can be found at the Smart Innovation Centre, enablers of this trial, who will be providing updates through this website about how people can go for a ride on the shuttle.